Editorial: Passage to India
OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.
Facing criticism on the deal for dairy in particular, Trade Minister Todd McClay said TPP is a free trade agreement in that it frees up trade.
"We were ambitious particularly in the area of dairy and would have seen greater liberalisation and better access for New Zealand dairy farmers into these markets," he said at the Auckland TPP roadshow.
"We didn't achieve all that.... But we need to remember dairy is still one of the most protected and regulated industries in the world."
After all these years they are starting to get better access to the US, the world's largest economy, for dairy and other produce.
"If you are asking whether we think that is it and we don't have to worry about dairy and other industries around the world, the answer is no. NZ will always argue for greater liberalisation in all these areas."
But if they don't go into the TPP agreement, restrictions would be higher on all exporters. Ninety five percent of our exports will be covered by free trade without restriction when TPP enters into force.
McClay says they will use the whole of this year for the parliamentary stage of the process. Previous trade agreements have moved through Parliament much faster.
This was NZ's largest and most beneficial agreement and had two years to enter into force, he said. They have time to work through the legislative stages, which are likely to be quite technical particularly on the copyright issue.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.